We must also consider the panels of our comics as puzzle pieces that must fit together. That is why before starting to draw we must plan the entire process beforehand. For example, we can start with make sketches where each cartoon will go from, highlighting those that are most important in large so that what we want to tell stands out. This is a very common technique, especially in manga and superhero comics.
Another aspect to take into account is to try use different points of view per page, so that we can give the reader a sense of space. We can’t forget either the meaning of reading. That is to say, that the movements made by the characters in the cartoon go from left to right, so they can be read more fluently. In addition, it is not forbidden to repeat, since, depending on each scene, especially where there is a lot of dialogue, it can be interesting.
Why use a comics software
When creating our work, we can opt for the classic paper and pencil or use a computer tool. These softwares are going to help us save a lot of time regarding manual drawing, providing users with a wide variety of tools that should be easier to use than classic graphic design programs.
The idea of these programs is to give users the ability to create dashboards quality comic strips, being able to choose from a wide variety of styles in terms of color, shape and size, allowing us to print them at any time we need it. They must also incorporate a broad content library and the necessary tools for its development.
In addition, the price is very important, and these tools should not be particularly expensive since they may not be as complete as editing software, but they will help us to obtain the desired results beyond our artistic capabilities.
Beginner Programs
Creating a comic can become more difficult if we do not have the necessary tools and equipment. If we want to delve into this wonderful world, these programs are for us, since they are especially indicated for those users who do not have much knowledge on the subject.
Clip Studio Paint Pro, the most used to draw comics
We are talking about comic software that we can consider ideal for anyone who has just started, and will make regular users of Photoshop or Illustrator feel comfortable using it. It has a large variety of painting tools and color options, as well as access to a free library with more than 10,000 assets. It is optimized for use with a mouse or digital pen, so any self-respecting artist will use one of these methods.
Clip Studio Paint gives us access to 36 pre-designed comic panel pages, which can be a great help to start the most novice, while the most advanced can start designing their own from scratch. In terms of files, the software allows you to import and work with image formats such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and PSD.
Although it is not the easiest program to learn, with a little practice and dedication to learning its tutorials it is possible to become an expert. It should also be noted that it lacks publishing tools Clip Studio Paint is priced at 42 euros and we can download a free trial version.
Comic Creator Studio, ideal for children and adults
This is a program aimed at beginners as it is easy to use and provides a extensive graphics library with funny characters and scenes. It is perfect for both children and adults who want to dabble in the creation of comics.
It has a wide variety of pre-made templates, including page layouts and personas. In total it has 36 layouts for comic panels and 50 people with five different poses. All of this may be enough to learn the basics of creating comic strips. It is possible to create practically any environment since it has more than 600 accessoriesbackgrounds and predesigned background elements to be able to give color and beauty to our scenes.
The application also allows you to import TIFF and PNG files with our own character designs in order to integrate them into the cartoons. However, it should also be said that despite being a great option for beginners, its lack of illustration tools will frustrate more advanced users. Its price is 44.99 euros and we can do it, although it does not have any version to be able to test it beforehand.
Manga Maker ComiPo, to test the art of comics or manga
This software is a simple comic creator focused solely on manga and aimed at a young audience. It’s ideal for anyone looking to try the art of comics or manga, regardless of their skill level or talent, as it features a wide variety ofe customizable features and a simple interface. It focuses especially on customizing pre-designed characters, so there are no brushes, pencils or other drawing tools. Its various elements are placed in bullets and numbered as layers.
The app only has five pre-designed characters. In addition, it is possible to create new characters by changing from their hairstyle, accessories, poses and even specific expressions. It also allows add more than 1000 sound effects to make them more attractive, as well as import photos and apply filters to turn them into cartoon backgrounds.
Among its drawbacks, it should be noted that it is only aimed at manga fans, and it lacks drawing editing tools, so given its lack of depth it is not indicated for users with more advanced knowledge. Manga Maker ComiPo, has one that we can download from its website. Its price is 45.99 euros.
Paintstorm Studio, economical and efficient
It is a multiplatform software that is characterized by having a user interface capable of making the entire creation process easy and simple. Offers a comprehensive brush pack with more than 50 configurations to adjust and customize so that we can achieve more accurate results, so that we can recreate the classic painting experience in a digital environment. It is capable of adapting to any style, be it traditional painting, conceptual art or comics and manga creation
Paintstorm Studio features custom panels, works with multiple layers at once, and custom hotkeys for any brush or slider. In addition, it also has a Mixer palette that will allow us to mix colors. But the best of all is its price, since it is quite cheap, since it only costs 19 dollars and allows you to download a version of .
Comic Life, create comics from images and fonts
This software is a little different, standing out a bit from other elements of the market that we have seen so far. It has been specially developed to allow us to take different types of images and sources to give an animated effect to our story. To do this, incorporate all necessary elements to make our comics such as fonts, templates, panels, balloons, subtitles, letters and even a spell checker, something that we surely won’t find in other programs of this type. Likewise, it also allows us to create our own page from scratch.
Its main feature is the possibility of creating our own comics or comics from photos or drawings. In them we can not only insert dialogues and texts in the speech bubbles, but it also allows us to change the type and size of the font, the color of the background, modify the style of the labeling and define the elements that compose it so that we obtain a result final as we have raised in our mind. In order to get the most out of it, it is worth mentioning that it requires hours of practice and experience to be able to master it, and tools are also missing with which to modify the images.
If we want to try Comic Life we can download . Once finished, it will be necessary to buy its license that has a price of 30 euros.
software for experts
These softwares are aimed at both professionals and advanced users who have knowledge of graphic design to create their works. They are not exactly cheap, but in exchange we will not miss any necessary tool for our creation.
Clip Studio Paint EX, improving the Pro version
We are talking about the updated and improved version of Clip Studio Paint Pro. What differentiates this EX version from the Pro version is above all its range of comic publishing toolsas well as its integrated administrator, which will allow us sort comic pages, number them and import hundreds of pages of text.
It also has built-in animation functions and a library full of 3D human figures that we can drag and drop into our scenes and customize by adjusting their body positions. Also, we can use it to import and export files of all major image types. In addition, we can use Illustrator and Photoshop files, as well as formats such as JPEG, PNG, BMP, MOV and MP4.
Clip Studio Pain EX has all the functions of the PRO version + comic, webtoon and animation and is priced at 186 euros. We can also download a trial version.
Poser, especially aimed at professionals
It is one of the best programs for carrying out comics work since it can be used to create all kinds of comic strips and images, being especially aimed at professionals in the sector and becoming a benchmark within the industry. It can also be used by less experienced users as it has a quick and easy-to-use editing process.
It has over a hundred categories and tools from which to choose and even allows us to devise all our images at once. This software offers us the possibility to quickly configure a rough model of the drawing, place some figures and rotate the scene, move characters to the foreground or background, adjust their position in relation to others, etc.
Poser Pro has one that will allow us to check if this program fits what we are looking for. Once finished, we must acquire its license that has a cost of 249 dollars.
Corel Painter, turn your comic into a work of art
If what we are looking for is that our comics are authentic works of art, Corel Painter is one of the standards within programs for drawing and painting. It offers the possibility of creating high-quality digital illustrations through its wide variety of brushes and textures of canvas with which to obtain completely professional results.
It has more than 900 brush patterns with what…
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